Hunters are hoping this year’s firearm deer hunt proves better than last year.

Illinois deer hunters began the 2016 firearm season with relatively mild temperatures and moderate breezes. However, Friday was considerably different than Saturday which found hunters dealing with powerful winds and exceptionally cold conditions. The final day of the 2016 three-day, first-segment hunt, brought slightly moderating temperatures and somewhat diminished winds.

Weather conditions were much improved during the second segment of the hunt. This portion of the 2016 hunt began on Dec. 1 and continued through Dec. 4. Nearly ideal conditions could be found throughout this four-day second segment.

According to Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) wildlife biologists, hunters in Illinois harvested an unofficial three-day preliminary total of 54,452 deer during the opening weekend of the 2016 Illinois Firearm Deer Season.

Unlike some years, wildlife experts feel the timing of this year’s hunt fell directly during the rutting efforts of the deer. However, other issues came into play.

Though large numbers of hunters took to the field for the season opener, the unfavorable conditions on last year’s Day Two likely impacted the hunters more than the deer.

Still, the preliminary total for the first three days of the 2016 firearm season was down slightly from the previous year. However, there is more to this story particularly since we are basing the harvest on previous season totals.

Interestingly, the harvest total for the first three days of the 2014 firearm season (51,830) was down nearly ten percent from the previous year. Making matters even worse, the 2013 first-season total of 55,708 was down by more than 20 percent from the first weekend harvest of 72,111 deer in 2012.

The 2016 statewide second season harvest totaled 24,977. This brought the total unofficial 2016 harvest to 79,429 for the entire seven-day firearm hunt.

According to biologists, most of Illinois counties have either reached their population goal, or are close to achieving it. In these counties, the IDNR is at a point where they’re changing over from a reduction phase to maintaining populations near the goal level.

Weather is critical, as was evident last year, particularly during the opening three-day weekend. This was most notable last year with the reduced overall harvest. Traditionally, the largest number of deer are taken during the first segment of the shotgun deer season. Fewer hunters generally participate during the December segment.

According to experts, good weather, cool like we’ve seen the past few days, will likely lead to superb hunting success. However, rain and extreme winds could have an adverse effect on the hunt.

As in the past, Illinois firearm deer hunters will have a split season. The first segment of the annual hunt is Nov. 17-19. Hunters return to the woods for the second segment Nov. 30-Dec. 3. Bag limits are one deer per permit. Many hunters have exercised their option to purchase one or more additional permits.

Recent harvest reports from the archery season (open since Oct. 1 and a good indicator of hunting prospects) show hunters enjoying only limited success. As of a week ago, the archery deer harvest was well ahead of the previous year’s totals.

If weather conditions are favorable, experts feel the firearm deer harvest should be comparable or slightly better than the 2016 hunt.

Records show the total harvest for all seasons has experienced a decline for most all of the past seven years. The firearm season harvest record of 123,792 deer was set in 2005.

Except for the weather, everything now looks promising for the upcoming hunt. Conditions in Pike County, Illinois top deer-producing county, also appear to be good. Local farmers also report that a large portion of the crops are now cleared from the fields.

In addition, the prospects look excellent throughout west-central Illinois. Here, most farmers are very near retiring their combines for the year.

It’s the same story throughout southern half of the state where the corn harvest is all but complete. However, biologists say some crops may still remain standing in isolated areas of the state.

Once again this year, local hunters will be required to check-in their deer by telephone or through the internet.

Wildlife biologists are not expecting any big surprises and, at this point, feel it all depends on the weather. If favorable weather conditions exist for the first three days of the season, Illinois hunters are almost certain to see another excellent deer harvest.